For a potential club record fee – Could LAFC sell Mateusz Bogusz to Celtic?

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Reported Kyogo replacement 

Could Los Angeles FC forward Mateusz Bogusz be on his way to Europe? According to a report by Polish outlet Meczyki, Scottish giants Celtic are interested in the 22-year-old Polish attacker. That report has since been backed by the Scottish outlet Daily Record, which described a £8 million (€9.3 million) move as “close” and talks as progressing well. A deal in that region would be a record sale of the Major League Soccer club.

Whether those talks are truly close or can get over the line remains to be seen. There are several obstacles to clear to get a deal across the line. First and foremost, LAFC wouldn’t be able to compensate an immediate departure after the MLS secondary transfer window closed on August 14. And Bogusz’s departure would be a significant loss for Steven Cherundolo’s side. The Polish attacking midfielder, who can also play as a supporting striker, scored 16 goals and six assists in 32 games across all competitions this season. With 13 goals in 24 games, Bogusz ranks fourth overall in the race for the MLS Golden Boot this season (overview). 

Then there is the fact that MLS club have been playing an unbelievable season. LAFC are currently second in the Western Conference, just two points behind city rivals LA Galaxy with two games in hand and have advanced to the semifinals of the US Open Cup and the Leagues Cup. By adding Olivier Giroud, LAFC have added to their attacking frontline, that also includes last year’s Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga. In other words, LAFC are poised for a big year, and selling Bogusz this summer would be a significant setback. 

What sort of player is Bogusz? Although he is listed as an attacking midfielder, Bogusz has primarily played as a right-winger or center-forward in a three-player attack this season. To break it down, Bogusz has featured 16 times as a striker (seven goals and two assists), eight times as a right winger (six goals and three assists), four times as an attacking midfielder (three goals), and twice in central midfield (two assists). That flexibility, has made Bogusz a key player for Cherundolo but also led to interest from European clubs like Celtic.

But how would Bogusz fit in at Celtic? “Any deal taking Bogusz to Celtic will likely depend on Matt O’Riley and Kyogo’s future,” UK content manager Euan Robertson said. “The Denmark international is attracting interest from Spain, Italy, and England, with Brighton leading the race for his signature. O’Riley’s expected departure will likely earn Celtic a club-record fee of around €30m, and there will be pressure on the board to sign a quality replacement. Manchester City are weighing up a possible move for Kyogo.” 

Kyogo Furuhashi might be the crucial domino for a deal to truly materialize. “Bogusz could cover both attacking midfield and striker positions,” Robertson said. “But Celtic are unlikely to sanction a €8-10m transfer fee if one of O’Riley or Kyogo doesn’t depart as they’ve already invested €9.9m on striker Adam Idah – the third highest transfer fee in their history. Bogusz fits Celtic’s transfer model of signing young players with high potential with the aim of developing them to be sold in the future for significant profit.” But whether LAFC will sanction a deal with their season in full swing is an entirely different question altogether.